What to Do at A Book Festival

Book Festivals are one of my favorite places to promote books. When this is posted, I'll be manning my table at the Central Coast Book Festival. This is one of my favorites because a lot of people who love books and reading attend. Also the festival provides tables, chairs and umbrellas--so all the author needs to bring is their books any handouts and whatever decorations they plan for their booth.

This is what I need to be sure to take with me:

Books--of course--I'm taking all my latest.

Book stands.

Crime scene tape--always decorate my table with it.

Plastic bags for those who need one.

Cash box with change.

A guest book for people to sign and put their email address if they'd like to receive my newsletter.

A notebook to keep track of sales.

My business cards to give to people whether they buy a book or not.

My husband to help with the money part. (Always a good idea to have someone else along to take the money and make change so you can concentrate on talking to people and autographing books.)

A shawl in case it starts out cold in the a.m. On the coast the weather can be unpredictable.

Comfy shoes since you need to stand up to talk to people.

A smile and an upbeat attitude. Make sure to make eye contact with people and speak to them when they walk by.

Believe it or not, I've seen authors sitting at their table reading a book, or so engrossed in a conversation, they don't speak to people browsing through their books.

Save your long conversations for quiet spells or after the festival is over.

Stay until the end. If you don't, you may never be invited back again.

Have fun!